Constitution Day

Constitution Day is a College of DuPage faculty initiative to commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution. Louise Leigh shared her love of the United States Constitution throughout the country when she rallied for recognition of Constitution Day as a national holiday. Her efforts along with Senator Robert Byrd culminated in amending the Omnibus Spending Bill in 2004 and officially named this day – Citizenship and Constitution Day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education backed this law extending its application to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.

Taken together, the laws provided that the head of every federal agency provide each employee with Constitution educational materials and that each educational institution which receives Federal funds should hold a program for students every Constitution Day.

2025 Constitution Day Event

Steven D. Schwinn, J.D. keynote speaker

Our Constitution is designed to protect democracy. Yet the bedrock structural features of our Constitution are shifting seismically, in real time and right before our eyes. We'll discuss these shifts, why and how they're happening, and what they mean for democracy. We'll also discuss what we can do about them, whatever our politics. 

About the Keynote

Steven D. Schwinn, professor of law at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, teaches, writes, and speaks on topics related to constitutional law, politics, and public policy. He focuses on the intersection between the separation of powers and fundamental rights. Schwinn is a frequent contributor to a variety of law journals and other specialized periodicals and regularly appears in the media. He works frequently with civic organizations on civic education and civic engagement and is currently developing a program and multi-media resources to promote public civics education and engagement.

A former professor University of Maryland School of Law and George Washington University Law School, he also served as assistant general counsel at Peace Corps. He received his BA from Michigan State University and his JD from the American University Washington College of Law.

Constitution Day Resources

• Historic Document Center
• National Constitution Center
• National Archives: Celebrating Constitution Day
• United States Courts: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
• National Center for State Courts: Constitution Day

Contact Information

Anne K. Knight

Assistant Professor, Legal Studies

knighta@cod.edu

(630) 942-2502